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CLP's Annual Summer Reading Extravaganza Returns This August!

Community wraps up summer reading with events, activities and a Pittsburgh reading contest

July 17, 2023

What: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Summer Reading Extravaganza

When: Sunday, August 13 from 12-5 pm

Where: 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will wrap up its 2023 Summer Reading Program with its annual Summer Reading Extravaganza at the Library’s historic Oakland campus. At this free family-friendly outdoor festival for all ages, attendees will be able to engage with a variety of programs and activities around this year’s theme, “Find Your Voice,” including music, crafts, games, storytelling and a contest to guess the total number of books Pittsburghers read this summer.

Attendees will have multiple opportunities to win prizes throughout the day, with the final Pittsburgh reading number revealed and a grand prize awarded at the end of the event!

CLP’s President and Director, Andrew Medlar, will also be in attendance to deliver remarks and interact with community members and the media.

O’Ryan the O’Mazing

Location: CLP – Main, Front Lawn

Time: 12 – 5 pm

Description: Need a pick-me-up? Find O’Ryan the O’Mazing as he stiltwalks through the crowd stirring up fun. O’Ryan’s high energy tricks are sure to be a laugh for all ages!

 

Mike the Balloon Guy

Location: CLP – Main, Front Lawn

Time: 12 – 5 pm

Description: Get creative and express yourself with balloon animals, hats and more from Mike the Balloon Guy! Balloons not your speed? Make your way to the face painting station for a fun new look!

 

Gab Bonesso

Location: EQT Stage

Time: 12 – 5 pm

Description: Award-winning standup comedian and mental health advocate Gab Bonesso will serve as Master of Ceremonies to help us kick-off Extravaganza and keep the energy alive on stage all day long!

 

Brittany Thurman and Double Dutch Swing Squad

Location: EQT Stage

Time: 1 – 2 pm

Description: Join Pittsburgh author Brittany Thurman as she reads her award-winning picture book Fly on the EQT stage along with a double-dutch demonstration from our friends at Double Dutch Swing Squad. Stick around following the reading for a Q&A with the author and more Double Dutch demonstrations!

 

Puppets for Pittsburgh

Location: South Wing Reading Room, 2nd Floor

Time: 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm

Description: Meet our friends from Puppets for Pittsburgh as they treat you to their new puppet show Finding Your Voice. This show features four short tales about speaking up, being brave and communicating in many different ways. This show is designed with 3-8 year olds in mind, but is a treat for all ages.

 

Summer Reading Prize Giveaway

Location: Summer Reading Prize Tent (by front entrance) & EQT Stage

Time: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 & 5:00 pm

Description: Stop by the Summer Reading Prize tent throughout the day to submit your guess for the total number of books read by Pittsburghers this summer. Then, on the hour, direct your attention to the EQT stage as we unveil each digit individually and announce a prize winner. Four smaller drawings will take place throughout the day with the grand prize awarded at 5 pm.